Beds Police pay tribute to officers killed in Paris terror attack

Hundreds of Bedfordshire Police paid tribute to their fallen colleagues in Paris by holding a one minute silence at 10.30am today (Thursday 8 January).

The minute’s silence took place 24 hours after the tragic incident in France that left 12 people, including two French police officers dead.

Chief Constable, Colette Paul, said: “Bedfordshire Police wished to show their sympathy and esprit de corps with our colleagues in France after twelve people, including two police officers, tragically lost their lives yesterday morning following the shooting at the head offices of French satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo in Paris.

“We are not alone, forces across the UK stood in solidarity with our French police comrades by holding a one minute silence at 10.30 this morning. I was pleased so many officers and staff we able to take part.”

Olly Martins, Bedfordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “We should be clear that the shootings in Paris have nothing to do with Islam, which is a religion of peace, tolerance and mutual respect. Indeed one of the police officers murdered in cold blood yesterday was Muslim.

“Today we held a minute’s silence to remember those who lost their lives and show unity with our colleagues in France against these acts of terror. I am proud to stand up and say ‘Je Suis Charlie’.”